Daily Boeing 787-9 flights to Washington

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will deploy a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft on its daily Washington, D.C. service from 15 March 2015, marking the US debut of its next generation First, Business and Economy class products.

James Hogan,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “As the most
technologically advanced aircraft in its class, the Boeing 787 will reduce the
operating costs and carbon emissions on our Washington, D.C. route and provide
maximum efficiency and reliability. Importantly, we have customised the
aircraft with the world’s most innovative and sophisticated First, Business and
Economy class cabins, providing our guests with superior levels of comfort and
attention to detail not previously enjoyed by the modern air traveller.”

Etihad Airways
commenced its daily non-stop flights between Abu Dhabi and Washington, D.C. in
March 2013, creating the first direct air link between the two capitals. The
service has attracted strong demand from government and business travellers,
and has also supported the continued growth of leisure travel between and
beyond the two cities.

Another key benefit
of US preclearance is that baggage security screening meets United States TSA
security standards, allowing air travellers who connect onto a domestic flight
in the US to have their baggage checked through from Abu Dhabi to their final
destination.

Guests travelling
from Washington, D.C. have
the convenience of an attractively timed evening departure, allowing them to
travel after completion of their business day.

Etihad Airways’
premium guests are also provided with access to the airline’s lounge at Dulles
International Airport. The split-level facility offers soothing relaxation
spaces, elegant fine dining areas, state-of-the-art business amenities, family
entertainment areas, and luxurious bathrooms with invigorating shower
facilities. With a prime location next to Etihad Airways’ departure gate in
Terminal A, it also provides unfettered and convenient direct access to the
aircraft without having to go through a traditional departure gate.

Mr Hogan said: “Etihad
Airways operates 45 flights a week to and from the US and connects the country
with our extensive global network, including 34 destinations in the Middle East
and Indian Subcontinent. We continue to experience strong demand for travel
between the US and India, where we serve 11 cities in our own right and 15 in
combination with our partner Jet Airways, providing unparalleled reach into the
country. In addition, our guests benefit from some of the fastest journey times
in the industry from Washington D.C. to popular destinations such as Ahmedabad,
Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai.”

Etihad Airways’ order
for two variants of the B787 (-9 and -10), is one of the largest for the type,
totalling 71 aircraft. The lightweight composite materials used in the aircraft
mean that the B787 uses up to 30 per cent less fuel than other aircraft in its
category and therefore produces a comparable reduction in carbon dioxide
emissions. New technologies are also used to ensure its noise footprint is more
than 60% smaller than other aircraft of its size.